Special Edition – Human Resources Updates and Announcements
Colleagues,
As we move into the heart of the fall semester, human resources wants to share a number of important updates and opportunities designed to support your work, well-being and professional growth. From the launch of our new telework process system to expanded mental health resources and the upcoming 2026 benefits enrollment period, this special issue of Niner Insider is packed with tools to help you thrive.
Warm regards,
Deidra Harris-Lumpkins
Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources
what you need to know
New Telework System Launching
Human resources is launching a new telework system the week of Oct. 6. It is designed to streamline processes and enhance overall efficiency across the University. As a reminder, all active telework agreements that expired Sunday, Aug. 31, were automatically extended through Friday, Oct. 31.
Expanding EAP Services Replace Headspace Care
Effective Tuesday, Sept. 30, the UNC System will end its contract with Headspace Care (formerly Ginger). In response, UNC Charlotte is expanding its mental health support through the Employee Assistance Program . Provided by ComPsych Guidance Resources, EAP offers confidential help, resources and guidance for personal and work-life challenges. New EAP enhancements include additional counseling sessions, a well-being assessment, live huddles, health and well-being coaching and Computerized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Coming Soon: Open Enrollment for 2026 Benefits
Open Enrollment for all benefit-eligible employees at Charlotte will open Monday, Oct. 13, and will continue through Friday, Oct. 31. Learn more about enrolling and the changes for the 2026 plan year on the HR website. Changes will be effective Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. Learn more about the process at an open enrollment webinar at 2 p.m., Monday, Oct. 6.
Voluntary SHRA to EHRA Conversion Opportunity
Human resources is offering a voluntary conversion opportunity for identified eligible SHRA employees to change their employment status to EHRA. Learn more about this opportunity at an information and Q&A session at noon, Wednesday, Oct. 8, in Colvard, Room 5092; register on the learning and development portal. All election forms are due by Monday, Dec. 1, and the conversion for all who elect to participate will become effective Thursday, Jan. 1.
Important Information about your UNC Retirement Program
Effective Wednesday, Oct. 1, employees who participate in the Optional Retirement Plan of UNC, the Senior Administrative Officer Retirement Program of UNC, the Senior Athletic Employee Retirement Program of UNC and the UNC 457(b) Plan, will see a reduction in the expense ratio of several trusts offered by Vanguard. These changes also have an impact on the pricing of UNC Target Date Model portfolios.
Tuition Waiver Process
The employee tuition waiver process moved to a new system Tuesday, Sept. 16. The steps to access and complete a waiver remain the same. Please review additional information about the waiver process and updated FAQs on the educational benefits webpage.
professional development
Wellness Workshops for Faculty and Staff
Taking care of your health and well-being is critical. Human resources is partnering with ComPsych Guidance Resources to provide a variety of free, virtual wellness workshops for Charlotte employees this semester. Topics include mental health awareness, creating psychological safety in the workplace and managing holiday stress.
Elevate Your Leadership at the 2025 LEAD Symposium
Human resources, with strong support from senior leadership, presents the inaugural 2025 LEAD Symposium: Resilience and Well-being-Focused Leadership from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 13, in the Barnhardt Student Activity Center. This University-wide initiative reflects a strategic commitment to cultivate resilient, empathetic and high-performing leaders across campus.
Unleash Your 49er Potential
Discover how to reach your full potential as an employee through the workshop series Unleash Your Niner Potential. These in-person, interactive workshops, presented by UNC Charlotte’s human resources learning and organizational development team, will provide University employees with the necessary tools to tackle some of today’s toughest workplace challenges. Topics include mastering time management, digital communication, successful meetings, effective networking and mentorship.
upcoming events
- Open Enrollment Webinar: Learn more about the upcoming open enrollment process by joining the Benefits Office and State Health Plan and NCFlex representatives at 2 p.m., Monday, Oct. 6.
- SHRA to EHRA Q&A: Learn about the fundamental differences between SHRA and EHRA, and how to convert at a Q&A from noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 8, in the Colvard Building, Room 5092.
- Tuition Waiver Webinar: Gain insight into the new tuition waiver system at an HR Power Hour webinar from noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 22.
- Fall Flu Clinics: The Student Health Center is offering flu vaccine clinics throughout the month of October to faculty and staff in the Barnhardt Student Activity Center Food Court and the Popp Martin Student Union, Room 340.